About the
Wildebeests
The wildbeest derives its name from its appearance – “Wild beast” because of the menacing appearance presented by its
large head, shaggy mane, pointed beard, and sharp, curved horns. Its original name is gnu The gnu (pronounced
"g-new" or simply "new") is a member of the antelope
family, although its heavy build and disproportionately large forequarters make
it look more bovine
Gnus
can live up to 20 year!
The
species that forms the large herds of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem of Tanzania
and Kenya is variously known as the brindled, blue- or white-bearded gnu.
1. Only one in every six calves survives
its first year
2. Both males and females have horns,
although the male's horns are thicker and heavier than the female's.
3. To groom itself, the wildebeest rubs
its face either on the ground or against a tree or partner.
4. Wildebeest are noisy creatures. Bulls
have an array of loud vocalizations, from moans to explosive snorts.
5. Wildebeest grow to 1.15–1.4 metres (3 ft 9 in–4 ft 7 in) at the shoulder and weigh 150–250 kilograms
(330–550 pounds).
6. They inhabit the plains and open
woodlands of Africa, especially the Serengeti. Wildebeest can live more than 20
years if they are not snatched by crocodiles, lions or illness.
7. Wildebeests live in more densely packed
herds than any other large mammal, except for humans.
8. Calves can stand and run within 3-7
minutes after birth.
9. At night white-bearded wildebeest sleep
on the ground in rows; this provides them with the security of being in a group
while allowing them space to run in case of an emergency.
10. Their spectacular northward migration in
search of greener pastures is dictated by weather patterns, but usually takes
annually. It is considered one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth,
involving up to 1.5 million wildebeests as well as hundreds of thousands of
other animals, including zebra and gazelle.
Nice Article!
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